In this Section

Religious Studies

Subject:

RE

Contact:

Mrs E. Merryweather

Overview

All students study Religious Education at Key Stages 3 and 4. It is offered as an option at KS5 where we offer an A Level in Religious Studies. Throughout each Key Stage students study a wide variety of world religions and ethical and philosophical themes. The aim of RE as a subject is to make a distinctive contribution to the school curriculum by developing pupils' knowledge and understanding of religion, religious beliefs, practices, language and traditions and their influence on individuals, communities, societies and cultures. It enables pupils to consider and respond to a range of important questions related to their own spiritual development, the development of values and attitudes and fundamental questions concerning the meaning and purpose of life.

KS3

Overview

Students are taught in mixed ability classes in Years 7, 8 & 9. We start in Year 7 with an introductory course “Philosophy for Kids”, which introduces students to the beginnings of religious belief and philosophical concepts. They study the six main world religions of Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Islam over the 3 years. RE is taught as an academic subject as we are a non-denominational school. Students complete two key assessments per term and their levels of achievement help inform their teacher-assessed levels on their reports. Throughout Key Stage 3 students are given opportunities to improve their skills in writing and exam specific skills in preparation for GCSE.

KS4 CORE RE

Overview

Students are taught in ability groups at Key Stage 4 based on their prior attainment and targets in English. Our core RE course is non-examined and students have one lesson per two week cycle. It aims to cover ethical and philosophical concepts from both religious and secular perspectives. The topic content compliments but does not overlap with our RE GCSE full course.

Curriculum Content

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Year 10

Crime and Punishment

QFL – Is the death penalty ever justified?

Crime and Punishment

QFL – Is the death penalty ever justified?

Medical Issues

IVF, transplants, Genetic Engineering.

QFL – Is everyone entitled to treatment?

What makes a person?

Year 11

Matters of Life and Death

QFL – Is life always sacred?

Inc. Life after death, Abortion, Euthanaisa

Matters of Life and Death.

Matters of Life and Death

QFL – Is life always sacred?

Inc Life after death, Abortion, Euthanaisa

Matters of Life and Death.

Peace and Conflict

QFL – Who should be responsible for Terrorist acts?

KS4 GCSE Full course RE

Overview

We follow the AQA GCSE syllabus for Religious Studies A 8062. It is a linear course, examined at the end of Year 11. The department prepares students for these final exams with regular exam practice and opportunities to develop evaluative writing skills. The RE specification offers a variety of relevant and contemporary themes, ensuring that students have a diverse choice of intriguing subjects to explore and discuss. Students will learn how religion, philosophy and ethics form the basis of our culture, and develop valuable skills that will help prepare them for further study.